Editorial November 14, 1936 Issue

Truthfulness

George Shaw Cook

When Paul wrote in his epistle to the Ephesians, "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another," he probably meant just what he said; for in his letter to the Colossians he wrote, "Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds." In both of these passages Paul was evidently pointing out the need for a high standard of moral conduct, as is readily seen by referring to the context. Morality inculcates truthfulness.

What Paul desired was that those to whom he wrote these words of admonition should speak the truth among themselves and with others in the sense that is ordinarily meant by the word "truth." Many are aware that on certain occasions—for example, when registering for the purpose of voting—one is required to take an oath that in answering the questions asked by the official he will "tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth." So, in all our human contacts, it is highly desirable that we should speak truthfully, and not indulge in subterfuge.

The teachings of Christian Science do not justify its students in giving answers to questions "with a mental reservation." That is, Christian Scientists are not justified in intentionally deceiving others or in deliberately seeking to convey a wrong or misleading impression. One may answer another wisely without stooping to deception. And in no instance do faithful and alert Christian Scientists feel that it is justifiable to tell what is sometimes referred to as a "white lie." No lie, strictly speaking, is a "white lie." All lies are "black"; that is, all lies are the reverse of truth, even humanly considered. Either what one says is true, or it is not; and the attempt to adulterate or modify a statement of fact or truth is not desirable. Mary Baker Eddy says on page 67 of "Miscellaneous Writings," "'Thou shalt not bear false witness;' that is, thou shalt not utter a lie, either mentally or audibly, nor cause it to be thought."

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